Gilgit, October 26: Ismailis across GB celebrated the anniversary of His Highness the Aga Khan’s first arrival in the region from October 21 – 26.

Fifty years ago, in 1960, the Imam of the Shia Isamili Muslims had come to the region to meet his followers. He visited the “Jamat” in Ghizar, Chitral, Gilgit and Hunza, regions where the Ismailis live in relatively larger numbers.

It was for the very first time in history of the Ismailis of GB that an Imam had reached the region, to meet them and take measures for development of the communities.

Ismailis in GB believe that after the 1960s they have progressed immensely in all fields of life, including education, economy and an overall improvement in quality of life.

Speakers at an event held by the Chipursan Educational and Social Forum (CESF) in this connection at Gilgit said that if not for the measures taken by the Imam and AKDN, the region’s Ismaili communities may still have been impoverished and under-developed.

Similar events were also held at ll major Jamat Khanas (Community Centres) of Ghizar, Gilgit and Hunza Valley. Non-resident GBians also celebrated the anniversary in their respective cities across the world.

At the ceremonies special prayers were offered for the prosperity of Pakistan, unity of the Muslim Ummah and peace across the human civilizations. Speakers and scholars urged the Ismailis to build bridges with sister communities and work for establishment of a meritocracy based knowledge society in the world, full of opportunities for the talented and hard-working.

This year the celebrations were kept low due to the death of Ms. Nusrat Bhutto and the government’s announcement of a 10-day mourning across the country.